Agricultural Land Use Planning

Santa Barbara County started the Agricultural Planning program in 2005 to assist the County with agricultural land use decisions and resource protection. As a member of the Planning and Development team, the agricultural planner advises planning staff on development projects and policy matters affecting agriculture. Agricultural planners coordinate with the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, Agricultural Advisory Committee, County departments, and other jurisdictions on land use issues affecting agriculture. For questions on the Agricultural Land Use Planning program please contact either Stephanie Stark, Agricultural Planner (ststark@co.santa-barbara.ca.us or 805.681.5604) or Michael Hays, Agricultural Land Use Planner (mhays@co.santa-barbara.ca.us or 805.934.6923).




Mission Statement

The mission of Santa Barbara County’s Agricultural Planning program is to protect agricultural resources by providing technical expertise, identifying development impacts, and assisting with policy development involving agricultural lands.




Agricultural Review Process

The Agricultural Review Process is a method for agricultural planners to provide technical expertise to planners on agriculturally related development projects. The agricultural planner reviews projects and coordinates with the project planner to ensure agriculture issues are addressed and the County’s mission of Accountability, Customer Focus, and Efficiency (ACE) are achieved. Discretionary projects proposed on or adjacent to land zoned for agriculture (or land used for production agriculture) are reviewed. These may include: Coastal Development Permits w/hearing, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Conditional Use Permits, Consults, Development Plans, Lot Lot Line Adjustments, Pre-applications, Rezones, Tentative Parcel Maps and Tract Maps. Conditions or mitigations are recommended on a case by case basis and may include fencing, screening, setbacks, reconfiguring building orientation or relocation of building envelope. For more information on the permitting process...




Santa Barbara County Agricultural Documents and Programs

Article V. Right To Farm (from Chapter 3 of Santa Barbara County Code)

Comprehensive Plan Agricultural Element

Environmental Thresholds and Guideline Manual

Agricultural Preserve Program